Daniil Medvedev Addresses ‘Downsides’ of USTA Giving Credentials to Influencers

Jessica Pegula was asked about crowd etiquette in her press conference at the US Open after several videos of influencers using lights during matches went viral. She said disrupting the matches “seems a bit disrespectful“, even though she understands quite well the added attention influencers bring to tennis.

When Aryna Sabalenka was asked about it, she said: “I love it, I love it. It’s more eyes on [our] sport.” The United States Tennis Association (USTA) has reportedly handed 100 credentials to influencers and social media content creators in their attempt to grow the sport. Which is why Daniil Medvedev voiced his support for the influencers, believing there are more upsides than downsides if they’re present during matches.

Super easy. The more we try to raise awareness about tennis, the better it is. The more popular the sport is. For sure, there is some downside. Maybe more people are gonna recognize you on the street, and it’ll be tougher to go to a restaurant. But in general, the more the sport grows, the better it is.

Daniil Medvedev said at the press conference

Medvedev breezed past Hugo Gaston in straight sets in the first round, before knocking out Sebastian Gorzny in the following round. He is chasing his second title in the tournament, as it was here back in 2021 that he won his career first Grand Slam title by beating Novak Djokovic.

I trust USTA with what they’re doing. If it disturbs during the play, you see the light or something, you always say to the referee. It can be sometimes challenging if during the point this happens. But I’m pretty sure as well, one time they do it, someone tells them not to do it. I think a lot more upside than downside, so let’s go for it.

Daniil Medvedev added

He will next be locking horns with Arthur Rinderknech, who defeated Jaume Munar in the previous round. Medvedev holds a 1-1 head-to-head record over the Frenchman, losing their last meeting in the semifinal of the Shanghai Masters.

Daniil Medvedev on whether he wants to play a hero or a villain in a movie

Following his win over Sebastian Gorzny, Daniil Medvedev was asked during the on-court interview whether he wants to play a hero or a villain if the US Open were a movie. Medvedev did not give a straight response, saying he would rather play someone who people think is a villain but ends up being the good guy at the end of the movie.

It’s super easy. For about 50% of the movie, you know this kind of movie where you don’t know what the ending is, and you try to guess who is the bad guy. I wanna be the guy who you’re gonna watch the movie and almost till the end think he’s a bad guy, he’s not good. Then, at the last second of the movie, you understand that he was the best guy ever. He was really good. And it was some other guy who was the villain. This would be perfect.

Before arriving at Flushing Meadows, the former World No.1 played three tournaments on the North American hardcourt swing, losing in the early rounds of all. He lifted his first title of the season at the Brisbane International by defeating Brandon Nakashima.

Medvedev after reaching US Open Round 3

“If the U.S. Open was a movie would you rather play the hero or the villain?”

Daniil: “It’s super easy. For about 50% of the movie, you know this kind of movie where you don’t know what the ending is and you try to guess who is the bad… pic.twitter.com/cAEcMKeDUh

— The Tennis Letter (@TheTennisLetter) September 2, 2026

Later at the Dubai Tennis Championships, he was handed a walkover by  Tallon Griekspoor in the final. Medvedev also reached the championship clash at Indian Wells, losing to World No.1 Jannik Sinner.

The Italian ace finished as the runner-up in last year’s US Open, but he is not competing this year due to a knee injury. Carlos Alcaraz is playing as the defending champion.

Also read: Juan Martin del Potro Sends Urgent Wrist Warning to Carlos Alcaraz After US Open Return